Law

World News

Prosecutors Take Law To Human Smugglers, Using Tools Sharpened Against Mafia

12:55pm September 27, 2015

by NPR Staff

Prosecutors in Sicily are tracking the smuggling networks sending migrants into Italy. One of these prosecutors, Gery Ferarra, says smugglers are organized criminal groups much like the Cosa Nostra.

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Thousands Of U.S. Military Interpreters Wait For Visas

10:54pm September 23, 2015

by Quil Lawrence

NPR follows up on the status of "AK," one of many Afghan and Iraqi interpreters for the U.S. military still waiting for a visa, and why thousands of interpreters struggle with the process.

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After Copyright Ruling, Let The People Sing 'Happy Birthday'

5:50pm September 23, 2015

Tuesday's ruling by a federal judge that the copyright of the "Happy Birthday" song applies only to specific piano arrangements, not the actual song itself, means the song is now public domain.

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Lawsuits Will Be Next Battle In Sage Grouse Conservation Saga

12:06pm September 23, 2015

by Nathan Rott

The decision to keep the bird off the Endangered Species List is celebrated by those out West who worried it would cost them billions of dollars. But challenges to the decision are already emerging.

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National

Gay Parents Face Issues With Birth Certificates In Some States

12:02pm September 23, 2015

by Jennifer Ludden

A handful of states are refusing to name both parents from a same-sex couple on a birth certificate, even though its among the benefits named in the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage.

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Volkswagen Says 11 Million Cars Worldwide Have Emissions Cheating Software

9:24pm September 22, 2015

by Sonari Glinton

Volkswagen faces a growing scandal over how it used software to dodge clean air rules for diesel vehicles. The Justice Department opened a criminal probe and financial penalties are sure to follow.

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Former Peanut Company Executive Sentenced To 28 Years In Prison

6:55pm September 22, 2015

by Carrie Johnson

A former peanut company executive has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for his role in a salmonella outbreak that killed nine people and sickened dozens more.

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National

Greater Sage Grouse Won't Get Federal Protection

6:54pm September 22, 2015

by Nathan Rott

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the charismatic Western bird doesn't need Endangered Species Act protection. A listing would have meant limits on mining and ranching in much of the West.

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U.S. Faces Challenges In Plan To Resettle 100,000 Refugees By 2017

6:50pm September 22, 2015

by Michele Kelemen

The U.S. plans to take in as many as 100,000 refugees by 2017, but it will take more money from Congress to make that a reality.

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Rex, a retired K-9 dog, is in the custody of Animal Services as officials in Albuquerque, N.M., decide what to do with him.

National

Rex The K-9 Is Retiring, And Police Department Weighs His Fate

4:24pm September 22, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Announcing Rex's retirement, police in Albuquerque, N.M., also outlined a sad story, saying his handler recently retired — and that the officer, who has a small child, couldn't take the dog home.